Penelope: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Penelope is a Greek name of uncertain meaning, best known as the wife of Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- puh-NEL-uh-peepəˈnɛl.ə.pi
- Origin
- Greek
- Meaning
- Penelope is a Greek name of uncertain meaning, best known as the wife of Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Syllables
- 4
- Nicknames
- Penny, Pen, Nell
- US Popularity (2025)
- #22 — ➡️ Stable
What Does Penelope Mean?
Penelope is the name of the wife of Odysseus in the 'Odyssey'. She waits twenty years for him to return from Troy, fending off suitors by promising to choose one when she finishes weaving a burial shroud, and unpicking her work every night.
The meaning of the name is not settled. Some scholars connect it to the Greek pene, 'thread' or 'weft', which would suit a weaver, and later Greek commentators linked it with penelops, a kind of duck, in a story that she was abandoned as a baby and rescued by ducks.
In the US it has ranked between #21 and #28 since 2019. Penelope Cruz, the Spanish actress who won an Oscar for 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona', is one of its best-known bearers, and Penelope Pitstop of 'Wacky Races' is another.
How Popular Is Penelope?
Penelope has ranked between #21 and #28 since 2019, with its best rank of #21 in 2022.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Penelope
Classic pairings
- Penelope Grace
- Penelope Jane
- Penelope Rose
- Penelope Anne
Modern pairings
- Penelope Wren
- Penelope Wilder
- Penelope Juniper
- Penelope Marlowe
One-syllable options
- Penelope Claire
- Penelope Belle
- Penelope Mae
- Penelope Faith
Family-name bridges
- Penelope Marie
- Penelope Louise
- Penelope Catherine
- Penelope Lynn
Names Similar to Penelope
If you love Penelope, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Penelope
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Penelope
- Penelope CruzSpanish actress and Academy Award winner for 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.
- PenelopeWife of Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey', who waited twenty years for his return.
- Penelope PitstopGlamorous racer in the 1968 cartoon series 'Wacky Races'.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Penelope
Is Penelope a boy or girl name?
Penelope is primarily a girl's name. It is very rarely used for boys.
How do you pronounce Penelope?
Penelope is pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee (IPA: pəˈnɛl.ə.pi). It has 4 syllables. Common nicknames include Penny, Pen, Nell.
Is Penelope a Greek name?
Penelope is of Greek origin. Penelope is a Greek name of uncertain meaning, best known as the wife of Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
What does Penelope mean?
Penelope is a Greek name of uncertain meaning, best known as the wife of Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
Penelope is the name of the wife of Odysseus in the 'Odyssey'. She waits twenty years for him to return from Troy, fending off suitors by promising to choose one when she finishes weaving a burial shroud, and unpicking her work every night.
Is Penelope a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Penelope is a highly popular name. It ranked #22 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is holding steady in the rankings. Penelope has ranked between #21 and #28 since 2019, with its best rank of #21 in 2022.
What are good middle names for Penelope?
Good middle names for Penelope include classic choices like Penelope Grace and Penelope Jane, modern options like Penelope Wren and Penelope Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Penelope Claire and Penelope Belle. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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